A contest between the Mariner 56A prototype and a modified Pentekonter in a form similar to the proposed Protector 57A is to begin next week. The winner of the contest will receive series production to replace the legacy fleet of light patrol vessels which are fast coming to their end of life.
SS Paris is still being modified to Protector standard (it is expected to be completed by the end of October) so Mariner will be evaluated first. The ships will be used in a number of patrol and combat simulations. As the need to begin series production is urgent the winner will be decided by the end of the year and series production will begin in the next Ship Building Plan starting next April.
Director of Technology Sea Urchin said that both ships had a chance though its known that he prefers the Protector (and will most likely be leading NS by the time the decision needs to be made).
